Ecclesiasticus I: Introducing Eastern Orthodoxy
Ecclesiasticus II: Orthodox Icons, Saints, Feasts and Prayer
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The
ancients knew the value of education and the importance of a teacher.
The need to acquire wisdom is amply illustrated in the Old Covenant with
the form of collected writings and sayings known as "wisdom literature.
"The book of Proverbs is full of spiritual and practical advice and
guidance for those who want to live a righteous life. Wisdom rather than
simply knowledge occupies a prominent place within the canon of Holy Scripture
and the Bible places such wisdom firmly within the realm of faith: "the
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs
1:7)
The central figure of the Hebrew law is Moses. He is to be seen
within Hebrew tradition as the instrument of God in several roles, as
deliverer, as leader, as prophet and as law giver. Yet, it is as teacher
that he is revered and named, Moshe rabbenu, "Moses our teacher".
The Great King Solomon asked for wisdom from God when he was given the
responsibility and charge of the people of Israel. Here we see that wisdom
means " a listening heart"-knowledge warmed by sympathy and
understanding. In the New Testament, Divine Wisdom is the Incarnate Christ
whom St. Paul calls: "the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24)
"in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden."
(Colossians 2:3). One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is that of wisdom,
(1 Corinthians 12:8).
Closely connected with the role of teacher is that of spiritual
father. Christ was recognised as a teacher or "Rabbi" (John
3:2) and spiritual teachers were part of the life of the apostolic church,
(Acts 13:1). Our Lord has a warning to those who would seek their own
glory through the title "teacher" and "father" in
Matthew 23:9,10. Jesus is here condemning hypocrisy rather than giving
a general prohibition against the terms. Indeed, the Apostle Paul refers
to Timothy as "a true son in the faith". The disciple of a Rabbi
was known as his son which of course supports St. Paul's title of "father"
in I Corinthians 4:15. From an early date, the title "pater"
was applied to bishops of the Church as witnesses to the Christian Tradition.
The title was applied to those whose authority and defence of doctrinal
matters had special significance like St. Basil, St. Gregory of Nazianzen
and St. Cyril of Alexandria.
The need for a spiritual father therefore for Orthodox Christians
has a rich ancestory.
The spiritual father is there to lead his son or daughter into
a deeper relationship with Christ. He is there to be a friend and confessor,
to advise and to encourage, to heal the soul and to take upon himself
the important task of prayer for his spiritual child ( Proverbs 15:29)
so that they may grow strong in faith (Hebrews 5:12). The spiritual father
is not the model to be copied because of his own imperfections, he points
to Christ. We should always be aware of the influence of a good spiritual
father or teacher. For although in the ways of the world the teacher has
little power he wields tremendous influence. Charles Adams, the 19th century
educationalist, said of school teachers :- "they affect eternity
for they never know where their influence ends." How much more should
those who have, through the grace of God, the responsibility of teaching
the faith affect eternity. (1 Corinthians 2:13). These things we also
speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit
teaches, comparing spiritual with spiritual."
A Cautionary Tale: The Cassock
A missionary Orthodox priest serving in a remote part
of India had a cassock that was torn and old with patches because it had
been repaired so many times. Knowing that he could not afford to send
away for one he decided to ask a local tailor to make him a new cassock
with a roll of material that had been given to him by a parishioner. The
Indian tailor was sent for and agreed to make the cassock but admitted
that he had never made such a vestment and that he would require a pattern.
"I know what I will do" said the priest," I will let you
have my old cassock if you can make it before Sunday. "The Indian
tailor thought that this was an excellent idea. Picking up the old cassock
and the roll of material he left. Four days later he arrived at the priest's
house with a large smile and a package under his arm." I have made
your cassock." The Indian tailor carefully unfolded the cassock for
the priest to examine. The priest's delight turned to dismay when he saw
what was before him. The new cassock had patches on the elbows, a tear
by the pocket, buttons missing and darns on the cuffs, just like the old
one. "What have you done?" shouted the priest. "You've
ruined my holy garment! What possessed you to do this?" "But
sir," protested the tailor," I carefully copied the pattern
of the cassock you gave to me."
May those who teach be taught of Christ and may those who learn
be faithful disciples.
October 1999
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